Cambridge Audio EXA100

A powerful, feature-laden amplifier with big ambitions

- 

With power, clarity, room-filling smooth sound and a generous feature set, Cambridge Audio's EXA100 will appeal to many. As a partner for the company's excellent EXN100 music steamer, it works seamlessly, too.

This is a fairly hefty unit, and overall the amp is well built with a high-quality feel. Adding to that premium quality is the nicely made volume dial with a knurled finish - it's lovely to use and works as responsively as the buttons do. All in all, it feels like a quality product befitting its price.

The EXA100 is powered by a Class A/B circuit that outputs a substantial 100W per channel into 8 ohms. The amp takes inspiration and technology from the Edge M monoblock power amplifier, with Cambridge stating the EXA100 uses the same power transistors found in its flagship sibling. Care has also been taken with the internal design of the EXA100, from its grounding to ensuring it is protected against any potential operating issues.

The large toroidal transformer is heavily shielded, runs quietly and is flanked by heavy-duty heat sinks. The brand has also developed its own proprietary protection system called CAP - which is designed to take preventative action if there are any surges in power and temperature, ensuring that the amp and your speakers are protected and last longer.